Patents Issued in December 31, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150377646
    Abstract: It is described a sensor system (100) and a method for sensing a physical quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Meyer, Thomas Preisner, Michael Schoeneich
  • Publication number: 20150377647
    Abstract: To provide a magnetic sensor which is reduced in power consumption without reducing magnetism detection sensitivity of a magnetoelectric transducing element. One end of a magnetoelectric transducing element is connected to an output electrode of a constant current circuit, and the other end thereof is connected to a power supply electrode on the positive side of one or plural signal processing circuits, and the like built in a magnetic sensor, whereby a connection relation of the magnetoelectric transducing element and the signal processing circuit is configured such that they are connected in series with a voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Kentaro FUKAI, Minoru ARIYAMA, Tomoki HIKICHI, Takemasa MIURA
  • Publication number: 20150377648
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor, a magnetic assembly, and a method provide circuits and techniques for or measuring one or more displacement angles of a magnet using magnetic field sensing elements. Applications include, but are not limited to, joysticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Husain Yusuf Sirohiwala, James Rice
  • Publication number: 20150377649
    Abstract: A position detecting device includes a shaft part that rotates in conjunction with a rotation of an external driving body, a magnet that is integrally provided at one end of the shaft part, a substrate on which a detecting element detecting a magnetic field of the magnet is mounted, a case that includes a disposition portion in which one end of the shaft part and the substrate are disposed, a protective member into which the other end of the shaft part is inserted and which covers the disposition portion, and a seal member that is disposed between the case and the protective member. A support member supporting one end of the shaft part and a bearing supporting the shaft part are mounted on the protective member. The protective member is provided with a protrusion, and the support member is provided with a fitting portion to which the protrusion is fitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Keisuke NAKAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150377650
    Abstract: A magnetic field generator disposed on one surface side of a sheet-shaped object-to-be-detected contains a magnetic component. The magnetic field generator includes a first magnetic pole part that forms a first magnetic pole, and a second magnetic pole part that forms a second magnetic pole with reverse polarity of the first magnetic pole. The magnetic field generator generates a cross magnetic field that crosses the object-to-be-detected. An MR element is disposed between the first magnetic pole part and the object-to-be-detected. The resistance value of the MR element changes according to a change in a component of the cross magnetic field in a conveying direction. The position of the MR element in the conveying direction is position shifted along the conveying direction from the center position of the first magnetic pole part in the conveying direction, and located between both ends of the first magnetic pole part in the conveying direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroyuki ASANO, Toshiaki SHOJI, Tomokazu OGOMI, Kenji SHIMOHATA, Masaaki OKADA, Miki KAGANO, Masashi HINO, Hideki MATSUI
  • Publication number: 20150377651
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a sensing system that includes a magnetic encoder wheel having alternating pole magnetic domains along a circumference thereof. The magnetic encoder wheel is configured to rotate about a first axis. The sensing system further includes a magnetic field sensing element in spatial relationship with the magnetic encoder wheel that is oriented to sense magnetic field components extending generally in a direction parallel to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensing system also includes a magnetic flux influencing element configured to influence magnetic field components associated with the alternating pole magnetic domains of the magnetic encoder to reduce magnetic field components associated with the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: James William Sterling
  • Publication number: 20150377652
    Abstract: The width of a terminal block is decreased by decreasing a space between an external connecting terminal at each end of the external connecting terminals and an end portion of the terminal block, whereas a space between a winding terminal at each end of the winding terminals of terminals and an end portion of the terminal block is sufficiently obtained. A terminal 7 is provided with an external connecting terminal 71 and a winding terminal 72, and the terminal 7 has a shape such that a center line Lp in the width direction of the winding terminal 72 is shifted from a center line Le in the width direction of the external connecting terminal 71. A plurality of the terminals 7 are arranged on a terminal block 11 so that pitches between the winding terminals 72 are unequal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Haruki OTOBE
  • Publication number: 20150377653
    Abstract: A device is proposed for measuring tracks, in particular for track laying machines, having two outer, one front and one rear, track-traveling measurement carriages (15, 21) and a middle track-traveling measurement carriage (22) arranged in between. To enable advantageous measurements, it is proposed that at least one position encoder (14, 20) pointing toward the middle measurement carriage (22) is associated with each of the outer measurement carriages (15, 21), and at least two optical sensors (16, 17), in particular cameras, are arranged on the middle measurement carriage (22) on an optical axis (34) such that at least one optical sensor is oriented toward the rear measurement carriage (15) and at least one other optical sensor is oriented toward the front measurement carriage (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Publication number: 20150377654
    Abstract: A position is determined by sensing a signal corresponding to a subsequence of marks in a non-periodic sequence of the marks on a scale. A coarse position PA is determined by matching the subsequence with all possible subsequences of the non-periodic sequence. Threshold-crossings corresponding to rising edges of the signal and threshold-crossings corresponding to falling edges of the signal are detected. An position correction Pi is determined using the threshold-crossings. The coarse and the position correction are summed to obtain the position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Amit K Agrawal, Jay Thornton
  • Publication number: 20150377655
    Abstract: A system including an optical waveguide having a length extending from an optical interrogator at a first end, a plurality of light-modulating sensor nodes disposed at predetermined locations along the length of the optical waveguide, each of the plurality of light-modulating sensor nodes having an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal propagating from the optical interrogator in the optical waveguide, and for returning the modulated optical signal to the optical interrogator in an opposite direction along the same optical waveguide path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Yevgeniy Yakov Dorfman, Scott Evan Ritter, Jonathan L. Habif
  • Publication number: 20150377656
    Abstract: Device for measuring the distribution of strain and/or temperature along an optical fibre through the analysis of the stimulated Brillouin scattering, characterized by the fact that both the “optical pump” light from which the scattered energy is derived, and the “stimulus” or “probe” light that stimulates the scattering process are both derived by the same ring-type tuneable optical circuit that at the same type amplifies the amplitude of the “optical pump” light and generates, through a controlled Brillouin amplified scattering, the “probe” light having the spectrum linewidth required for the measurement needs and a wavelength shift with respect to the “optical pump” light that is accurately and quickly tuneable and fully adjustable within the range that is needed for interrogating a distributed optical fibre sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Filippo BASTIANINI
  • Publication number: 20150377657
    Abstract: A disposable ophthalmic or medical apparatus has a portion with a color changeable dye disposed thereon. The dye changes color after being exposed to oxygen for a controlled and predetermined period of time indicating that the apparatus should no longer be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Lee Heacock, Louise Ellen Culham
  • Publication number: 20150377658
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to a connector mechanism for safely and quickly attaching or detaching a sensor. The connector mechanism includes a sensor head assembly comprising a detector body with an internal channel and an open distal end. The connector mechanism also includes a sensor head attachment connector (sensor HAC) located within the channel. The HAC may be oriented to face the distal end and recessed within the channel remote from the distal end. The HAC may include a first electrical connection having at least a first contact member. The HAC may include a first key component that is located in a fixed location relative to the first contact member. The connector mechanism also includes a sensor cartridge comprising a cartridge housing that includes a probe component. The sensor cartridge may be configured to be at least partially inserted through the open distal end into the internal channel of the detector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lynn Landis
  • Publication number: 20150377659
    Abstract: A detector head assembly of a sensor includes a detector body having an internal channel extending a longitudinal length. The detector body is configured to hold a sensor cartridge that includes a sensing element. The detector head assembly includes a wire having a conductor. The wire extends into the internal channel of the detector body such that an end of the conductor is configured to be operatively connected to the sensing element. The detector head assembly includes a wire seal having a generally pliable sealant held within the internal channel of the detector body. The generally pliable sealant is configured to be longitudinally compressed along the longitudinal length of the internal channel during assembly of the detector head assembly such that the generally pliable sealant moves into and fills one or more voids between the wire and the detector body for sealing the wire to the detector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lynn Landis
  • Publication number: 20150377660
    Abstract: A method and assembly for protecting a device connected to a wiring harness is disclosed. The assembly includes a protective tubular shield and a positioning device, with the protective tubular shield having a bore for receiving the device at least partially therein. An elongated wiring harness extends from the device being protected and through the bore of the protective tubular shield. The positioning device is formed having a band and at least one flexible, resilient finger extending radially inwardly from the band. At least one of the fingers forcibly engages the wiring harness to releasably maintain the positioning device and the protective tubular shield in a protection position along the wiring harness at least partially surrounding the device being protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy D. Sellis, David A. Harris, Kenneth C. Upton, Danny E. Winters, Samuel B. Fryberger, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150377661
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for estimating a parameter of interest in a borehole. The apparatus may include a displacement device configured for displacement responsive to the parameter of interest and environmental noise; a detector array configured to provide information comprising a first signal and a second signal both relating to the displacement; and at least one processor configured to mitigate effects of the environmental noise on the information by determining correlated portions of each corresponding signal representative of effects of common mode elements of the environmental noise on each corresponding signal. The displacement device may be an optical displacement device configured to receive a first electromagnetic beam with a first value of a beam property and a second electromagnetic beam with a second value of the beam property, which comprises a displacement element configured for displacement responsive to the parameter of interest and the environmental noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Carl M. Edwards, Sebastian Csutak, SR., Robert W. Adams, Kent Byerly
  • Publication number: 20150377662
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring air speed which solve the problem of icing or blockage by creating an exterior surface on an aircraft that channels air and measures the pressure difference of the pressure through the airflow and the static pressure. This exterior surface cannot be blocked easily because air is always flowing when the aircraft is in motion, any external matter that could be on the exterior surface is readily visible, and the exterior surface can be heated to prevent icing. In addition, the exterior surface is made of a flexible material that is able to conform closely to the exterior shape of the aircraft. The preferred embodiments comprise microelectromechanical system pressure sensors placed under the air channels for measuring the pressure difference in each channel and an air speed processor for transforming the pressure differences into an air speed estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Gary A. Ray
  • Publication number: 20150377663
    Abstract: A sensor using a carbon-based element for measuring a flow or a pressure in an environment includes: a substrate; a carbon-based element; and one or more electrodes electrically communicating with the carbon based element, wherein the electrodes are located between the substrate and the carbon-based element so that the electrodes are not exposed to the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Nagesh P. Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20150377664
    Abstract: The invention provides a boiler load analysis apparatus that has a simple configuration and achieves highly accurate analysis of a boiler load. A boiler load analysis apparatus (10) includes an opening sensor (15) provided to at least one of a fuel supply line (45) and a combustion air supply line (50) of a boiler (40) and configured to measure an opening degree of at least one of a fuel flow regulating mechanism (47) configured to regulate, with the opening degree, a fuel flow in the fuel supply line (45) and a supplied air flow regulating mechanism (54) configured to regulate, with the opening degree, a supplied air flow in the combustion air supply line (50), and a load analyzer (20) configured to calculate a steam load of the boiler (40) from a measurement value of the opening sensor (15), to analyze the steam load of the boiler (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshinori KINZUKA, Hideo FURUKAWA, Osamu HIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150377665
    Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic-inductive flow meter in which the presence of a parasitic magnetic field is detected energizing of electromagnets with at least one first current value and at least one second current value. The measuring apparatus determines first and second measured values from energizing of the electromagnets with the first and second measured values and a first pair of measured values is formed from the first current value and the first measured value and a second pair of measured values is formed from the second current value and the second measured value, the correspondence of the pairs of measured values and of the function of permeability is determined. If correspondence of the pairs of measured values and of the function of permeability is not found that fact is signaled, the lack of correspondence being due to the at least partial presence of a parasitic magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Joseph Neven
  • Publication number: 20150377666
    Abstract: A flowtube assembly for a magnetic flowmeter is provided. The flowtube assembly includes a tube extending from a first mounting flange to a second mounting flange. Each of the first and second mounting flanges has a pipe flange facing surface for mounting to a respective pipe flange. A coil chamber is disposed outside the tube, between the first and second mounting flanges. The coil chamber has at least one coil located inside that is configured to generate a magnetic field within the tube. A liner/electrode module is positioned within the tube and has a non-conductive liner, at least one electrode and at least one electrode conductor. The non-conductive liner extends from the first mounting flange to the second mounting flange. The at least one electrode is positioned in the non-conductive liner to interact with a conductive process fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce D. Rovner, Steven B. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20150377667
    Abstract: Virtual and non-invasive multiphase metering is performed for recognition of multiphase flow regimes of hydrocarbons and other fluids, flow rate, presence of sand, and other multiphase flow parameters. A passive acoustical detector system receives acoustical flow information in the form of acoustic emission signals, and a data processor processes and classifies the acoustical patterns. A statistical signal processing methodology is used. Acoustic models are provided for various flow regimes and flow patterns, using Artificial Intelligence methods including Hidden Markov Models and Artificial Neural Networks along with automated learning procedures. The metering can be used for downhole, top side and surface applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: TALHA JAMAL AHMAD, Michael John Black, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Publication number: 20150377668
    Abstract: An ultrasound flow meter unit, e.g., a unit forming part of a flow meter for ultrasonic measurement of a fluid flow. The unit comprises two ultrasound transducers 206, a circuit board 202 with an electronic circuit 204 arranged for operating the ultrasound transducers 206, and a common protection membrane 132, such as a sheet of metal, for protecting the transducers 206. The common protection membrane 132 forms part of a water-tight casing, such as an IP68 class casing. The two ultrasound transducers 206 and the circuit board 202 with the electronic circuit 204 are positioned within the water-tight casing and thus protected against damaging humidity. A glass sealed feed-through 128 can be used to provide external electrical contact to the electronic circuit 204, i.e. for outputting an electric flow rate signal. Such flow meter unit is highly versatile within many applications since it provides a compact and robust unit. The unit can be used with or integrated in many types of devices, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Søren Tønnes Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20150377669
    Abstract: Techniques for determining temperature and velocity in a space inside a gas turbine engine (100) include mounting acoustic sensors (150) in the engine. The sensors are mounted to detect acoustic signals in a space (108) of fluid flow without extending into the space. A first sensor (350a) is displaced a first distance (351) from a different second sensor (350b) in a first direction parallel to fluid flow through the space. First and second signals are detected at the first and second sensors, respectively. A travel time difference between the first and the second sensors is determined by control system (170) module (180) based on the first and second signals. Velocity of fluid flow in the space is determined by the module based on the travel time difference. Temperature of fluid flow in the space is determined by the module based on either the first or the second signals or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Upul P. DeSilva, Heiko Claussen
  • Publication number: 20150377670
    Abstract: Provided is a low-cost flow sensor which improves productivity while maintaining high quality and high reliability. This flow sensor is provided with a housing, a cover, a circuit chamber sealed between these and housing electronic components or wiring, and a subpassage through which the fluid flows that is to be detected, and is characterized in that the welding width of a first welded portion forming the circuit chamber is greater than the welding width of a part of the second welded portion forming the subpassage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi ARAI, Shigeharu TSUNODA, Shinobu TASHIRO, Takeshi MORINO
  • Publication number: 20150377671
    Abstract: An air flow meter has a housing, a flow rate sensor, and a physical-quantity measuring sensor. The housing therein defines a bypass passage into which a part of air flowing in a duct flows. The flow rate sensor is disposed in the bypass passage. The physical-quantity measuring sensor measures a physical quantity of air flowing in the duct and is disposed separately from the flow rate sensor. The housing has a recessed portion that is recessed from an inner wall surface of the bypass passage and that has a blind-passage shape. The physical-quantity measuring sensor is disposed in the recessed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Takashi OOGA
  • Publication number: 20150377672
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter having at least one curved measuring tube having an inlet end, outlet end and a central curved section between the inlet end and outlet end, a carrier bridge extending between the inlet end and outlet end of the measuring tube and fixing the measuring tube ends, at least one oscillation generator attached to the measuring tube, at least one oscillation sensor for detecting measuring tube oscillations, an evaluation unit for evaluating detected measuring tube oscillations, and wherein the measuring tube extends through at least one opening from an inner area of the carrier bridge out of the carrier bridge into the outer area of the carrier bridge, the central curved section running outside of the carrier bridge. A conductor guiding structure is arranged on the carrier bridge extending toward the oscillation sensor and the conductor arrangement fixed on the conductor guiding structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: KROHNE AG
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Christopher Rolph, Gary Jones
  • Publication number: 20150377673
    Abstract: A Coriolis flow meter is provided. The Coriolis flow meter includes at least one conduit configured to channel a flow of fluid therethrough, at least two pickup sensors, each pickup sensor coupled to the at least one conduit at a different location, and a drive system configured to oscillate the at least one conduit in a first excitation mode and a second excitation mode. Each pickup sensor is configured to generate a feedback signal including phase shift measurement data corresponding to the first and second excitation modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Charles Erklin Seeley, Philipp Lang
  • Publication number: 20150377674
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter having at least one measuring tube that is excitable to oscillations, at least one oscillation generator, at least two oscillation sensors for receiving oppositely influenced oscillation parts of the measuring tube oscillation, at least one evaluation unit and at least two holding devices for holding the oscillation sensors, wherein at least one part of an oscillation sensor is attached to each holding device. Additionally, a Coriolis mass flowmeter that requires little service and is easy to repair, is implemented in that the oscillation sensors each comprise at least one primary oscillation sensor and a secondary oscillation sensor, and that the primary oscillation sensor and the secondary oscillation sensor are connected to the evaluation unit in such a manner that the measuring signal of the primary oscillation sensor and the measuring signal of the secondary oscillation sensor can be detected separately by the evaluation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Krohne AG
    Inventor: Tao Wang
  • Publication number: 20150377675
    Abstract: A hygienic dispenser for edible articles incorporates additional hygiene and dosing features. The dispenser comprises an inner and outer reservoir, wherein the inner reservoir is contained in the outer reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Dries Laleman
  • Publication number: 20150377676
    Abstract: There is provided a fluid measurement device that is high in measurement precision. The fluid measurement device has a circuit unit into which a first signal S1 output from a first detection element and a second signal S2 output from a second detection element are to he input, wherein the circuit unit includes signal processing means that outputs a third signal S3 according to the first signal and the second signal, state deciding means that decides a state of the first signal, and control means that controls an amount of change that a change of the first signal imparts to the third signal in accordance with a result of decision by the state deciding means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi ASANO, Masahiro MATSUMOTO, Hiroshi NAKANO, Keiji HANZAWA
  • Publication number: 20150377677
    Abstract: The invention concerns an optical remote sensing system, comprising a reaction chamber adapted to host a chemical reaction in the shape of a scattering turbid atmosphere inside the reaction chamber. An optical active sensor is used to detect the three dimensional structure of an accumulation, such as a heap, inside the reaction chamber, suggesting various measurement methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: ANDRITZ OY
    Inventors: Jussi TENHUNEN, Oulu SIIKANEN, Juha KOSTAMOVAARA
  • Publication number: 20150377678
    Abstract: A level gauge for detecting process variables related to a distance to a surface of a content in a tank, comprising a first and second functionally independent circuitry arrangements comprising transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry. The gauge further comprises a power divider providing isolation between signals having the same propagation mode, a single wire transmission line probe, and a matching arrangement providing an electrically matched connection between the electrical connection of a process seal and the single wire transmission line probe. A combination of a power divider with a matching arrangement allows multiple channels on one single wire transmission line probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Olov Edvardsson
  • Publication number: 20150377679
    Abstract: A method for powering a radar level gauge, comprising an initial frequency stabilization procedure, ensuring a stable separation frequency between a first and a second clock frequencies, during which frequency stabilization procedure said radar level gauge is not powered to provide a level output, and a subsequent measurement cycle, performed only when a stable separation frequency has been established, during which said radar level gauge is powered to provide a level output. The present invention allows a radar level gauge system to save power by not providing power to and operating the radar level gauge circuit during such times when the frequency separation would not enable the radar level gauge to provide proper level measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Leif Nilsson, Hakan Nyberg, Hakan Delin
  • Publication number: 20150377680
    Abstract: A radar level gauge system comprising a single conductor probe extending through a tubular mounting structure towards and into the product in the tank, a shielding structure radially spaced apart from the single conductor probe and extending along a top portion of the probe inside the mounting structure and past the lower end of the mounting structure, and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level of the product in the tank. The shielding structure at least partly encloses the top portion of the single conductor probe, and is open in a radial direction to allow entry of the product. The shielding structure exhibits a total enclosing arc angle around the single conductor probe greater than 180° inside the tubular mounting structure, and a total enclosing arc angle around the single conductor probe that decreases with increasing distance from the lower end of the mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Olov Edvardsson, Lars Ove Larsson, Christer Joshua Frovik, Mikael Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20150377681
    Abstract: A radar level gauge arrangement for determining the fill level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed, which arrangement is mounted on a hatch of a tank and/or on a support which is adapted to be mounted on a hatch of a tank. The arrangement comprises a transmitter for transmitting measuring signals at least along a first axis for determining the fill level of the tank; a receiver for receiving echo signals corresponding to the distance to the surface; a first processing circuitry for receiving the echo signals and to determine a fill level of the tank based on the echo signal; an inclinometer attached to the support and adapted to generate an inclination output corresponding to the inclination relative the surface normal; a second processing circuitry for generating, based on the inclination output, an angular output when there is an angular difference between the first axis and the surface normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Mikael Kleman
  • Publication number: 20150377682
    Abstract: A microwave module 1 for a fill level measuring device 2 operating with the runtime method, has a chip for generating and/or receiving microwave signals and a carrier element. To provide an advantageous as possible microwave module, the chip is located in a cavity 9 of the carrier element 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gerding, Michael Deilmann, Nils Pohl, Michael Vogt, Christian Schulz, Timo Jaeschke, Christoph Schmits
  • Publication number: 20150377683
    Abstract: A sensor (1) including at least one array (10), including a plurality of acoustic transducers (12); a controller (42) for controlling each transducer (12) to be selectively in a generation mode for generating an analysis signal, or a reception mode for receiving an analysis signal, and, for controlling the sensor (1) to perform scans of the at least one array (10), each scan having a plurality of scan steps, such that, during each scan step, at least one transducer (12) is in the generation mode and at least one other transducer (12) is in the reception mode; and, a processor (44) for processing one or more signals receivable from one or more of the controller (42), a transducer (12) in generation mode and a transducer (12) in reception mode to determine at least one characteristic from the one or more signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Sidney Stirling, Ravi Vivakanantham
  • Publication number: 20150377684
    Abstract: A device for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container is provided, which uses an ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound sensor is associated with a damping cup with at least one antechamber, and the antechamber has at least one outer ring and one inner ring. The inner ring is arranged within the outer ring and the ceiling of the inner ring has different heights. The ceiling has a lowest point and a highest point. In the area of the ceiling the inner ring is provided with a venting connection with the outer ring. The venting connection between the inner ring and the outer ring is located at the highest point of the inner ring. The ceiling of the outer ring has different heights including a lowest point and a highest point. A vent hole is provided at the highest point of the outer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Falko STRACKERJAN, Sergej TONEWIZKI, Ingo ZOYKE
  • Publication number: 20150377685
    Abstract: A seal and pivot assembly for a displacement level assembly includes a pivot base, an annular seal and a pivot body. The pivot base includes a cylindrical base member with an axial end surface defining first and second V-shaped grooves. The pivot body includes a cylindrical body member with first and second pivot body arms extending radially outward from opposite sides of the cylindrical body member. The first and second pivot body arms include first and second knife edges, respectively, that are in line contact with the first and second grooves, respectively, of the pivot base such that the pivot body can pivot relative to the pivot base, as well as uniformly distribute unbalanced forces applied to the pivot body across the entirety of the knife edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20150377686
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a combustion engine includes measuring and signal generating devices constructed to measure a filling level or filling volume within the fuel tank, and to transmit a first signal corresponding to the filling level or filling volume to a fuel indicator; a signal modifying device constructed to modify the first signal when the fuel tank undergoes a deformation; and an activator activating the signal modifying device when a valve between an activated carbon filter communicating with the fuel tank and an intake tract of the combustion engine assumes an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: HARALD HAGEN
  • Publication number: 20150377687
    Abstract: A level measurement system configured to measure minute changes in fluid level. The system integrates a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) to provide highly accurate level measurement. Low friction materials and a timed vibrator are used to minimize fluid static friction effects on level measurement. A second LVDT can be utilized to compare the level of a fluid containment structure with level changes caused by environmental factors such as evaporation, tidal effects, wind, or the like. The system also includes a computing device to record and compare level changes over time. A housing connects the elements of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Michael A. Olson
  • Publication number: 20150377688
    Abstract: A sensor includes: a Hall IC that outputs an electrical signal depending on a liquid level which is a detection object; a condenser used together with the Hall IC; a plurality of lead frames that includes a terminal portion to which a lead wire is connected, and a base portion to which a lead of the Hall IC is connected; and an inner member that holds the plurality of lead frames. In the inner member holding the lead frame, a space portion recessed in a concave shape is formed, and the Hall IC is accommodated in the space portion. Further, a condenser is mounted between a pair of the leads present in the space portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki FUKUHARA, Ryo HIROSE, Shinpei KATO
  • Publication number: 20150377689
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a mass flow sensor while harvesting grain includes sensing an accumulated mass of a portion of grain within the grain tank with a first sensor. A mass flow rate sensor is calibrated based at least in part on a signal of the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremiah K. Johnson, Aaron J. Bruns, James J. Phelan, Matthew J. Darr, Robert McNaull
  • Publication number: 20150377690
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a mass flow sensor while harvesting grain includes sensing an accumulated mass of a portion of grain within the grain tank with a first sensor. A mass flow rate sensor is calibrated based at least in part on a signal of the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: James J. Phelan, Jeremiah K. Johnson, Aaron J. Bruns, Matthew J. Darr, Robert McNaull
  • Publication number: 20150377691
    Abstract: A flow measuring device for ascertaining a corrected measured value of a flow velocity and/or a corrected mass flow of a medium, especially a gas, in a measuring tube, including: an apparatus for ascertaining a first measured value of flow velocity and/or mass flow of the medium by thermal, mass flow measurement; an apparatus for ascertaining velocity of sound and/or frequency dependent damping of an acoustic signal, especially an ultrasonic signal, in the medium and/or an apparatus for ascertaining an optical, wavelength dependent absorption of an optical and/or excited fluorescence of the medium, and an evaluation unit for correcting the ascertained first measured value of mass flow or flow velocity based on the ascertained sound velocity values and/or the frequency dependent, ascertained damping values of the acoustic signal and/or the ascertained absorption values of the optical signal and/or the florescence values of the medium, and method for ascertaining a corrected measured value of flow velocity and/
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Ceglia, Achim Wiest, Oliver Brumberg
  • Publication number: 20150377692
    Abstract: A vibration detector and method of measuring vibration are described. The vibration detector includes an optical fiber comprising a reference reflector and a delay coil, and one or more sensors comprised at respective one or more locations in the optical fiber, each of the one or more sensors including a center reflector and two side reflectors on either side of the center reflector, the delay coil eliminating detection of interference among reflections from the one or more sensors. The vibration detector also includes a light source to introduce light into the optical fiber to interrogate the optical fiber, a detector to obtain interference signals, each of the interference signals being based on interference between reflections from the reference reflector and one of the one or more sensors; and a processor to process each of the interference signals to obtain vibration measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel Boyd Cooper
  • Publication number: 20150377693
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an airborne sound sensor in the form of a compression assembly for detecting airborne sound. The system reduces the risk that workers will be exposed to dangerous high pressure gas jets which the industrial workers cannot see or hear escaping from high pressure industrial pressurized gas systems. A compression assembly (5) for detecting sound pressure level using a transducer (11) compressed against a top element (9) and a lower element (12) so as to compress the transducer (11) across the sensing faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Roger HURREY, Darren ROSE
  • Publication number: 20150377694
    Abstract: Various implementations provide systems and methods for remotely detecting and assessing collision impacts using one or more acoustical sensors, such as using acoustical sensors to detect helmet collisions on an athletic playing field. For example, at least one acoustical sensor is disposed adjacent an athletic playing field and remotely from the one or more players on the athletic playing field. A processor of a computing device in communication with the acoustical sensor is configured for identifying whether the acoustical signal indicates a collision event occurred between a helmet and another object. The processor may also be configured for identifying a location on the playing field where the collision event occurred and/or identifying one or more characteristics of the acoustical signal to determine the amount of force, the duration, the speed, the acceleration, and/or the location of the collision event on the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: W. Steve Shepard, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150377695
    Abstract: An illumination device comprises one or more emitter modules having improved thermal and electrical characteristics. According to one embodiment, each emitter module comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for producing illumination for the illumination device, one or more photodetectors configured for detecting the illumination produced by the plurality of LEDs, a substrate upon which the plurality of LEDs and the one or more photodetectors are mounted, wherein the substrate is configured to provide a relatively high thermal impedance in the lateral direction, and a relatively low thermal impedance in the vertical direction, and a primary optics structure coupled to the substrate for encapsulating the plurality of LEDs and the one or more photodetectors within the primary optics structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Kuo-Lih Chang, Mickey Malone, Horace C. Ho